Case work stats[IMG: http://www.wikio.co.uk] Once again the council's case work stats have been released for the last two quarters - and it's some interesting reading! This time it has proved very useful, because Labour were trying to suggest that my ward colleague Daisy was to busy to do basic ward work... I think the numbers speak for themselves [IMG: ;)] [IMG: 10 chart] As you can see 5 of the top 10 councillors are Lib Dems and two of those are also potential MP's after the next general election (Being Daisy Benson for Reading West and Gareth Epps for Reading East)! I ... (more) |
Digital Economy Bill and web-blocking: the debate continuesThe emergency motion to LibDem conference on 'Freedom, creativity and the internet' has passed its first hurdle, having been approved by our Federal Conference Committee for debate. Although slightly shortened to meet the criteria for emergency motions, it's added a request for a proper policy working group on the issues, which if passed means we can ... (more) |
The future of the Tory Shadow ChancellorInteresting article in today's Times regarding the relationship between the Conservative Leader and his Shadow Chancellor. Curiously, considering the election is so close, David Cameron seems to be hinting that George Osborne might not be his first choice for Chancellor if he becomes Prime Minister: In an interview with Sir Trevor McDonald to be broadcast tomorrow, Mr Cameron acknowledges that although the pair are friends, "we recognise that there are tensions in any political relationship". Asked if he could dismiss Mr Osborne, the Tory leader says: "Yes, and we've had that conversation. He is a good friend but we've had ... (more) |
A little fact Iain Dale didn't mentionIf you've read Iain's post about Anna Arrowsmith "The LibDem Candidate Who Supports Labour" there's one little detail you won't have seen. The shocking piece of text saying that Anna Arrrowsmith supports Labour is ... six years old. Yes verily, it's shocking news that the party has selected as a candidate someone who was a Labour supporter six years ago [IMG: :-)] Hat-tip and further details: this comment from Alex Macfie (more) |
How Authoritarian is Michael Connarty?Lib Dem Voice have launched a new tool showing how authoritarian or liberal your MP has been over it is based on 10 key round of votes over the life of the current Parliament on 10 issues. A liberal approach earned 0 points an authoritarian stance 10. The issues were (read more details here): ID Cards (Vote 18 October 2005)Control Orders (3 March 2009)MP's Expenses - exception from Freedom of Information request (20 April and 18 May 2007) Extradition Act 2003 vote on review (15 July 2009)DNA Database - protecting the innocent (19 January 2010)Abolition of Parliament Bill (Legislative and ... (more) |
Incompetant and dangerousThe problem with power is that is goes to people's heads. The more power they have the greater capacity for self deception. There is a false belief in their own competence that blind them to the reality. Here are a few examples In 2008 Hillngdon lost £20 million in the financial collapse of Iceland. To date we have only recovered £3-4m of that. When I criticised the Council at the time I was howled down by them saying it was fully recoverable. We now have the spectacle of them trying to capitalise £4 million of losses which even they now ... (more) |
Election Day -55: Something is Rotten in the State of Westminster ParkingWestminster City Council has cancelled the tendering of its four-year parking contract after a legal flaw and must start again from scratch. How much has this error alone cost council tax payers? The council had already named Mouchel as the winner of the £50million contract to provide parking enforcement services across the borough, but had to ... (more) |
Whittington A&E - Story 8Naomi's story: Many, many times have I been grateful for the quick and safe reactions of the staff of the Whittington A&E. Just one story? I run a group for mothers and babies nearby. One afternoon, a toddler knocked over a mug of very hot tea. His mother tried to comfort him, but he was obviously in pain. I suggested she hurry to the Whittington A&E, and said I'd come and meet her there after the meeting. When I got there, she was in a separate room with her son. A doctor arrived and dealt with the burn with an ... (more) |
The East Lothian question - Should Anne Moffat stay?2009 was a long year for crisis hit Anne Moffat, the Labour MP for East Lothian, where the Liberal Democrats are second and where Labour's Scottish leader, Iain Gray's Scottish Parliament's seat is. Moffat's re-selection as the MP started back in 2008 and still the saga goes on and on and on. In the latest twist Labour's ruling body, the NEC, will have the final say on Moffat's re-selection, but has now allowed a full meeting of the local party membership enabling members to vote on the issue in the next few days. It appears that the NEC will announce ... (more) |
St Mungo's & Safer Neighbourhood Team joint eventSt Mungo's, the very large homeless hostel of Arlington Close (off Ennersdale Road) is hosting an open day event in conjunction with the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Lewisham Central. This event is set for next Friday 19th March, 4pm to 8pm. In the words of PCSO Andy Griffey: This will give you a chance to look around the ... (more) |